Over the last while I've been in negotiations with my landlord. It was most recently left off with people encouraging me to just pay the $1500/month and never mind the rest b/c being in a month to month lease was worth it. Well it turns out we're getting a rent decrease, with no other changes to the terms of the lease. We'll continue operating month-to-month.
Starting November 1, 2009, our rent is going from $1,500/month to $1,350 a month. That's a savings of $150, or $1,800 combined for Jordan and I (or $900 each).
This has wonderful implications for our budgets!!! waahoo!
Here's how it all played out:
"Good Afternoon Landlord,
I hope this note finds you well.
I am following up from our e-mail conversation whereby you stated you would get back to us upon your return from your trip on October 12, 2009. As it is nearing the end of the month we thought it best to touch base to ensure that rent is taken care of for November.
Please let us know your address so that we may drop off a rent cheque prior to November 1, 2009.
Thank you,
Jessie"
"Thank you Jessie.
Our address is XYZ.
[instructions to the house] & [description of the house]
If you could leave it in the mailbox, we would certainly appreciate that.
Thank you.
Landlord"
"Hi Landlord,
Thanks for writing back.
Should we assume that you have decided not to consider a rent decrease and that we should leave a cheque for $1,500?
Thanks,
Jessie"
"Jessie – I will reduce the rent to $1350 per month."
"Hi Landlord,
Thank you for confirming the new monthly rent. I will drop off a few post dated cheques for you, for your convenience.
Have a great weekend,
Jessie"
YAY!!! Way to follow it through till the end. That's a huge savings per month. Congrats. :)
ReplyDeleteLook at you! That is AWESOME! Now the next question is... what are you going to do with that extra moolah? ;)
ReplyDeleteGood thing you were patient eh :)
ReplyDeletefantastic! that is very exciting. i wouldn't have been brave enough to fight for a decrease (i probably would have been too lazy too lol).
ReplyDeletedo you still have the new roommate as well? will that make your savings only $100/month? (look at me being the math stickler/debbie downer. sorry!)
You rock, girl. You could give Ramit Sethi negotiation lessons. And as there is no family factor it will be easy to keep the new decrease private. New Roommate guy agreed to $500 for the room, and you don't have to share the goodness.
ReplyDeleteWow Jessie!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so great! =D
I'm absolutely thrilled for you that you got a decreased rent AND a month-to-month lease. That is definitely the best scenario possible!
Very cool, congrats.
ReplyDeleteThat is great! Patience and persistence pay off! Congrats.
ReplyDelete@ Jenn & Mom - Jordan and I talked about the new roommate, and we have already agreed that he will continue to pay $500/month, nothing changes that. If landlord decided to increase our rent, we would have kept his at $500, it was the agreement we made with him.
ReplyDelete@ All - thank you so much for all the postive words. It's such an amazing feeling - everything is coming together.
WOOHOO!! That is awesome :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go! Just a small reminder that it never hurts to ask!
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic! Congrats :D
ReplyDeleteYay! Negotiation can be fun... especially when you get the benefit in the end!
ReplyDelete@ Frugal, Finances, Vanessa, and Me in Millions - thanks! it feels great!
ReplyDelete